Senate Democrats Propose $750 Billion COVID-19 Aid Package

On March 16, 2020, the Senate is prepared to return to Capitol Hill from a weekend recess to take up the Families First Coronavirus Response bill.

On the same day, Senate Democrats released a proposal that includes at least $750 billion to boost hospital capacity, unemployment insurance, and other direct aid for American households and businesses. Last week senate democrats outlined their proposal that included many of the recommendations drafted by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, including:  

• Emergency Rental Assistance - Individuals struggling to pay rent and utility payments would be eligible for rental and eviction prevention assistance.
• Emergency Mortgage Assistance - For borrowers whose incomes have not rebounded or who are behind on payments and cannot catch up at the end of the forbearance, we also propose additional mortgage payment assistance, reinstatement assistance, housing counseling, and legal assistance.
• Supplemental Support for Federal Housing - Provide supplemental financial assistance directly to housing authorities, housing assistance providers, and homelessness service organizations to ensure resident safety and maintain housing in the face of declining resident incomes and assist vulnerable people experiencing homelessness.